Five problems new chess players face

by Bill Gordon
8/29/2018 – Practice makes perfect, but beginners often need a little extra guidance for their early chess development. BILL GORDON offers five things newcomers to the game should keep in mind to improve their play, avoid mistakes and stay focused at the chess board. To the seasoned amateur or tournament warrior, these tips will be nothing earthshattering, but why not share them with your newbie friends and family?

Typical mistakes by 1600-1900 players Typical mistakes by 1600-1900 players

Some mistakes repeat themselves often in amateur games. With themes such as "Miscalculating Forcing Lines", "Being Too Materialistic" and "King Safety" Nick Pert shows you how to avoid making typical mistakes.

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Tips for starting out

If you're new to chess, you're likely to repeat the same rookie mistakes over again, but with a little bit of practice and proper education, you’ll learn to avoid them. Making mistakes and learning new strategies is an inseparable part of this complex game, so try not to get demotivated if things are not going well for you. It is crucial to keep playing on a daily basis and think about the game in your spare time. Learning about common mistakes will help you level up and become a better chess player. This text will provide you with the some of the most often repeated mistakes beginners make. So read on and learn how to avoid them!

1. Weak development

Most rookie players don't focus enough at the beginning of the game, and usually, play with one or two pieces. Neglecting development can cost you a game, and that's the reason why you should do it right.

Once you start a game, try really hard not to move the same piece twice (unless forced to). It is generally much better to quickly develop all minor pieces and castle before starting active play. A good opening will help you with your strategy, and the chances of winning the game will increase.

Openings

Openings A-Z with position search can help you find an opening to suit your taste!

2. Not having a plan

Fritz iconAnother very common mistake beginners make is that they play clueless chess. This ancient game requires undivided focus and flawless planning.

Of course, you can't know what your opponent will do, but having a good plan will bring you closer to victory. It is very important to pay close attention to the opponent's camp and see if there are any weaknesses. Once you see them, you should plan the series of moves that will get you there so you can attack. On the other hand, you should also work on your weakest pieces and make your best effort to improve their positions.


Fritz and Chesster - Learn to Play Chess

Learn to think strategically, try out tricky mental exercises and master fun and exciting challenges – all with a generous helping of chess knowledge.


3. Ignoring the enemy's plan

Having a good game plan is crucial for success in chess, but ignoring the opponent's plan will most certainly destroy your chances.

Fritz thinkingIf you're thinking just about goals, you can easily miss the opportunity to properly defend your camp. Every move your enemy makes mustn't be ignored; try to figure out his or her intentions.

Predicting your opponent's plans is hard, and you'll need to put in lots of playing hours before you master this aspect of the game. Better planning and anticipation will naturally appear in your game as you become more experienced.

4. Losing concentration

Fritz yawningAs suggested above, even a tiny variance in your concentration can cost you a game. If you're not fully focused and awake, you're likely to lose the game regardless of your flawless planning. Just one wrong move can turn the table, and you'll go from favourite to underdog.

In order to stay concentrated longer, you’ll need to work on both mental and physical endurance. A regular workout will make your body stronger and your mind sharper. In the end, play longer time control games and you'll see the progress in no time.

Training

Staying focused and alert takes dedication, but it can also be fun!

5. Not learning from others

If your goal is to become good at something, you'll need to study a lot and stop ignoring authority. The same goes for chess. Make sure to learn from better players and listen to their advice. Talking with a great player or just analyzing their games will provide you with useful tips about chess, and your game will become better. Keep trying out new moves and different approaches to the same problem. Keep in mind that experience of others can level up your game, so keep your eyes and ears wide open.

Final thoughts

Fritz winkingChess is much more than this handful of tips and you should be aware of that. Keep learning and playing. The right combination of education, physical activity, strategy, and ambition will help you improve your game, so go ahead and start working on that on daily basis.

People say that practice makes perfect, and that goes for chess as well. You won't become a perfect chess player for sure, but you can keep trying and enjoying this magnificent game.


Typical mistakes by 1800-2000 players

On this DVD GM Nick Pert shows you typical mistakes by 1800-200 players. Themes as when to exchange pieces, how to convert an advantage, passive pieces, anticipating your opponents plan, openings and pawn structure are shown throughout the DVD.


References


Bill is a freelance writer and board games enthusiast from Melbourne Australia, who likes writing articles that cover lifestyle and games related topics. He has written numerous articles and contributed to several other blogs. When he's not writing, he enjoys spending time with his wife and riding bikes on the coast.

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